Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Celebrating its bronze jubilee and earning the UAE Labour Market Award for the second consecutive year, as well as the Best Research Center Award for 2024 at the British Parliament, TRENDS Research & Advisory achieved remarkable research and operational milestones in 2024.
The Centre continues its confident journey into the future with a long-term strategy focused on citizens and guided by the slogan “Investing in youth is investing in the future”.
Through its 17 physical and virtual international offices, TRENDS reinforces its position as a leading independent research centre, regionally and globally. It provides rigorous research outputs, enhances the capabilities of young researchers, disseminates knowledge, and supports society, professionals, and academics with insightful research that analyses contemporary regional and global issues.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, stated during the announcement of the Center’s 2024 achievements: “TRENDS has left a significant knowledge footprint, establishing itself as an influential global intellectual reference. It actively contributes to research and studies, delivers training programs to refine skills, and provides scientific consultations that monitor international risks and challenges, offering visions and solutions to understand changes”.
He added that as TRENDS enters 2025, it proudly affirms that 2024 was a year filled with distinction and dedication. The centre achieved an Emiratization rate exceeding five times its target, reaching 58%, and empowered youth in research and professional fields. Through its activities, partnerships and global presence, TRENDS has become a model for those seeking excellence and innovation rooted in objective and purposeful global research.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali emphasised that the accomplishments of TRENDS Research & Advisory in 2024 were extensive, diverse, and inspiring. The Center not only met its objectives with exceptional efficiency but also exceeded several of its targets by significant margins, achieving multiple times the projected outcomes. By activating its offices in 17 countries across various continents, TRENDS expanded its global reach and enhanced its collaboration with research and think tanks worldwide.
Dr. Al-Ali affirmed, “This success strengthens our determination to continue forecasting the future and contributing to its creation through rigorous research and knowledge outputs that keep pace with events, analyse issues, and offer actionable solutions”.
He added that this success has further fueled the Center’s ambition to amplify its knowledge-based role in the coming year. TRENDS has developed a comprehensive plan encompassing research, training, consulting, and developmental initiatives featuring innovative ideas and programs to enhance its global intellectual impact, with details to be announced soon.
Dr. Al-Ali highlighted that TRENDS received numerous accolades, including the UAE Labor Market Award for the second consecutive year. It was also selected as the Best Research Center of 2024 by the Arab Media Network in London. The award was presented in the House of Lords, British Parliament. The Center also garnered the Peace Award and was actively present in the French Senate, the British Parliament, and the League of Arab States. Its research studies dominated global academic publishing platforms, underscoring its leading role in the research and intellectual domain. Furthermore, TRENDS’ growing presence across continents is clear evidence of its esteemed status among global think tanks and reflects the accuracy of the Center’s vision and objectives, solidifying its reputation as a prominent and influential intellectual reference on the global stage.
He added that TRENDS’ global research tours reaffirm its commitment to building bridges of knowledge, fostering dialogue, and creating collaborative networks with research centres, institutions, and scholars worldwide.
Dr. Al-Ali concluded by expressing his gratitude to the TRENDS team across all departments and to its partners, media professionals, experts, and advisors. He reaffirmed the Center’s dedication to remaining a global research beacon, striving for excellence and the dissemination of purposeful knowledge.
Exceptional Achievements
In a detailed report, TRENDS Research & Advisory announced its remarkable accomplishments in 2024, reflecting its strategic objectives aimed at advancing scientific research, disseminating knowledge, and building an extensive global network. The Center actively contributed to research and studies that identified international risks and challenges, trained and empowered future leaders to deepen their vision, and equipped them with the necessary tools. It maintained a strong presence in global capitals and international events.
277 Studies and Research Papers
According to its 2024 annual report, TRENDS significantly advanced its mission by publishing 277 studies and research papers. These were categorized as follows: 146 strategic studies, 14 books and 128 research papers. In the economic field, TRENDS released 51 studies, 8 books, and 48 research papers. In the Political Islam field, it released 43 studies, 10 books, and 33 research papers. Additionally, the Center continued its work on the comprehensive Encyclopedia of the Muslim Brotherhood, completing the 12th book out of a planned 35. Many of these works have been translated into approximately 15 languages. TRENDS also published 41 studies, 5 books, and 36 research papers covering various other fields of knowledge, alongside several series on economic and strategic trends and TRENDS lectures.
The report highlighted TRENDS as a leading international reference specializing in analyzing the present and future of political Islamist groups and exploring ways to counter their influence. In 2024, TRENDS launched the Muslim Brotherhood International Power Index in multiple languages, including English, French, German and Turkish.
TRENDS also continues to undertake the ambitious project of the Encyclopedia of the Muslim Brotherhood, which will eventually comprise 35 books. Twelve volumes have been published so far, with several translated into 15 languages. The Center supports this initiative with ongoing studies, lectures, and symposiums that expose the falsity and dangers of such movements.
2,464 Reports and Newsletters
In its role as a leading research and analysis institution, TRENDS released 51 periodic reports and newsletters in daily, weekly, and monthly formats, totalling 1,964 publications in 2024. These outputs addressed diverse areas of knowledge, focusing on critical global issues and current events with balanced, evidence-based analyses.
Additionally, TRENDS produced 526 specialised reports and research studies, offering in-depth insights on various topics for specific audiences and stakeholders.
235 Articles and 30 Surveys
In 2024, TRENDS researchers and experts published 235 articles that covered a broad range of knowledge domains, providing insights into current developments through a rigorous and comprehensive research methodology.
The Global Barometer Department at TRENDS, responsible for conducting public opinion surveys on key issues and developments across various sectors, conducted 30 field surveys in collaboration with strategic partners. These surveys were tailored for TRENDS or commissioned by other organizations.
226 Scientific Events
TRENDS Research & Advisory made significant strides in promoting international public awareness by organizing over 226 events in 2024, including 126 international events held outside the UAE, 36 symposiums and panel discussions, 61 sessions, dialogues and other activities, in addition to 6 international conferences in cities like Paris, London, Washington, Moscow, and Cape Town. TRENDS also had an active presence in the British Parliament, French Senate, and the League of Arab States, participating in and hosting key discussions. These events featured contributions from ministers, officials, and prominent intellectual and academic figures at local, regional and global levels.
44 Training Programs and Projects
In its mission to train and empower future leaders, TRENDS launched programs focused on developing Emirati researchers, organizing more than 22 specialized training courses. It launched several training initiatives and programs, including the announcement of the TRENDS International Training Institute. It also established partnerships with prestigious global institutions such as the Geneva School of Diplomacy to prepare a new generation of young leaders in line with TRENDS’ vision of foreseeing the future and participating in its making.
Additionally, TRENDS delivered 22 consultancy projects to various organizations, supervised by its newly established Project Management Sector in 2024. These projects provided actionable strategies and data to enhance and develop the operations of its partners.
17 Global Offices and 46 New Partnerships
The TRENDS 2024 Annual Report highlighted that the Center continued to expand its global reach, transitioning from a focus on collaboration to establishing a physical or virtual presence in numerous countries through 17 TRENDS offices. This effort aims to broaden its scope, achieve its strategic goals, and solidify its role as a global knowledge bridge and a link between regional and international research and thought centers. These offices are located in:
Dubai, Al Ain, South Africa, South Korea, Russia, the United States, China, Germany, Japan, Türkiye, Morocco, Egypt, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Canada, and Jordan. They support the head office in Abu Dhabi with research, studies, and scientific reports, in addition to fostering connections with academic professionals and decision-making centers.
TRENDS successfully forged 46 new partnerships with prominent intellectual and research institutions across various continents, complementing its existing collaborations. These partnerships enriched the Center's conferences, symposiums, and research outputs. The partnerships were distributed as follows: 8 research centers and institutions in the United States, 5 research centers and institutions in Europe, and 7 research centers and institutions in Asia.
Moreover, TRENDS initiated dialogues with 35 other entities and institutions, working toward signing partnership agreements with them. These collaborations include think tanks and research centers in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Russia, and the Americas. TRENDS has contributed significantly to its partner institutions by providing numerous research contributions on various topics. The Center demonstrated a strong commitment to impactful engagement by building bridges of communication and creating opportunities for researchers of diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives to convene to explore pathways for nations to address various issues, generate creative and innovative ideas to tackle global crises and forecast the future and contribute to its planning and design. TRENDS also welcomed more than 350 scientific, diplomatic, and intellectual figures within dialogue sessions with its researchers. These sessions focused on enhancing cooperation, understanding the Center’s work, and opening new horizons for future collaborations.
Global Tours
In 2024, TRENDS Research & Advisory distinguished itself with international tours across several countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Washington, France, Britain, and Russia. These tours aimed to strengthen scientific research, forge new partnerships to underscore TRENDS' global presence, and extend the reach of TRENDS' research and voice to broader audiences worldwide.
During these visits, TRENDS signed several research agreements with prominent institutions in host countries, fostering collaborative efforts. The tours also featured intellectual dialogues and conferences attended by high-ranking officials, researchers and academics.
Active Global Participation
TRENDS organised research and knowledge-sharing activities in 24 countries and participated in 15 international book fairs, including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, London, Sharjah, Frankfurt, Riyadh, Cairo, Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo, Thessaloniki (Greece), and Jakarta. At these fairs, TRENDS hosted lectures and events, making its publications and research outputs accessible through numerous local, regional, and international outlets.
Moreover, TRENDS set up dedicated pavilions at major global conferences, including the World Media Congress, the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2024), the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2024) and its accompanying conference, along with similar high-profile events abroad.
347 bi-lingual press releases
TRENDS published 347 press releases in Arabic, all of which were translated into English. Its researchers participated in over 86 media interviews and discussions with local and international outlets.
In an effort to enhance societal outreach, TRENDS expanded its media sector, bolstered by a dedicated Media Department. This included upgrading social media platforms with modern initiatives and updated digital tools, launching a revamped website and an innovative page for its international offices, integrating modern technologies and AI tools with research expertise and the aspirations of young Emirati talents, and expanding the Knowledge WhatsApp service, widely appreciated by numerous organisations for its accessibility and utility.
49 Podcast Episodes
TRENDS expanded its digital presence by producing 49 new episodes of its podcast series, Trending Echoes, as part of its global research role and strategic goals. This podcast initiative amplifies TRENDS' voice, offering an innovative platform to bring its research to a broader, international audience. Through expert interviews, the series explored a variety of research, media, and global issues, emphasising the organization's thought leadership.
Continuous Development
With a view to developing its work, and marking its Bronze Jubilee, TRENDS undertook several development initiatives, including renewal of its Advisory and Academic Councils with prominent academics, professionals and representatives from leading local and global research institutions. In support of scientific research, TRENDS also launched new initiatives, including the Little Researcher, as part of the TRENDS Youth Initiatives, and the TRENDS Hub Award and Research Content Creators. Furthermore, the Center enhanced its research operations using the Smart Employee Echo and the AI-driven Moxie Robot, with its dedicated Instagram platform. It also launched a new knowledge series called Zoom Out, and another called Business Time.
The Future
In the administrative domain, which forms the backbone of TRENDS and its path to success, the strategic plan for the Human Resources Sector placed a strong focus on prioritising Emirati talents. In 2024, the Center not only achieved its Emiratization targets but exceeded them by fivefold, with Emiratis making up 58% of its workforce. TRENDS also earned the UAE Labor Market Award for 2024, making it the first research centre to win this award for two consecutive years in recognition of its efforts in youth empowerment, providing comprehensive support across all aspects of the work environment. Additionally, the Center's classification in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization was elevated to the Diamond Category.
The Center also worked on developing and updating its organizational structure to align with its defined goals and objectives, enhancing performance, improving the work environment, increasing employee satisfaction, and implementing governance policies and periodic performance reports. These measures underscore TRENDS’ institutional character and enable it to continue achieving its objectives confidently and scientifically.
TRENDS remains steadfast in its journey, guided by a sustainable strategic research vision, and is set to announce its 2025 plan in the coming days.
